Natural Toothpastes and their Active Ingredients

At Brooklyn Dental Studio we are proponents of minimally invasive care and the potential to remineralize, rather than drill and fill, small, incipient cavities. We do this with the aid of fluoride, xylitol and other antibacterials, such as chlorhexidine. I receive a lot of questions about alternative toothpastes. For people without cavities, these can be an option. However, patients should be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that cavities and gum disease do not develop.

Natural toothpastes provide an alternative to the big oral care brands, such as Colgate and Crest. We have profiled some of these toothpastes and the ingredients they contain so you can be a more conscious consumer.

The appeal of natural toothpastes is many don’t contain fluoride. Fluoride is the inorganic anion of fluorine that helps with the remineralization of teeth affected by tooth decay and cavity formation. Many studies have shown fluoride helps this process and that fluoride levels in water supplies and toothpastes are adjusted to add up to safe and effective levels. Fluoride is provided through compounds such as sodium fluoride (NaF) and sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2PFO3).

1. Tom’s of Maine

Tom’s of Maine is a popular natural toothpaste. The active ingredient included is Sodium Monofluorophosphate, which is a compound that contains the fluoride anion. In many studies, Na2PFO3 has been shown to be effective in fighting cavities. Rather than using saccharin, Tom’s of Maine contains natural peppermint oil to provide a fresh tasting breath. So, while Tom’s of Maine is not considered an all-natural toothpaste, they do not use artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and they do not contain any animal products.

While we recommend fluoride, if you still feel fluoride is not an ingredient you want in your toothpaste, the following toothpastes provide benefits.

2. Auromere Toothpaste:

Ingredients in Auromere Ayuredic Toothpaste include chalk, glycerin, and water as the main components. The herbal extract blend contains 34 plant-derived, vegan components and oils that provide freshening and cleaning properties. Instead of saccharin sweetener, Auromere uses peppermint and spearmint oil to provide a fresh tasting breath.

3. Desert Essence

Ingredients in Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil toothpaste are calcium carbonate, glycerin, and tea tree oil. Calcium carbonate has been touted as an abrasive, but its effectiveness in providing strengthening calcium has not been proven by randomized clinical trials. Tea tree oil is a noted antiseptic, however, its effectiveness is also not proven by randomized trials.

4. Grants of Australia

Similar to Desert Essence, Grants of Australia Mild Mint toothpaste also contains calcium carbonate and glycerin, as well as aloe barbadensis leaf juice. Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as aloe vera, is noted for its inflammatory and potential antimicrobial properties.

5. Jason Toothpaste

Jason Toothpaste also contains glycerin, calcium carbonate, and aloe baradensis leaf juice. Some of the properties this toothpaste promotes are its antiplaque and tartar control. However, as seen in the above toothpastes, studies have not yet shown calcium carbonate to effectively provide calcium.

If there is a toothpaste you would like us to check out or mention, please let us know!